Self-concept of primary school children: differences by gender, age and school achievement

Mag. Petra Dolenc

Summary:  The purpose of the study was to examine self-concept of primary school children in relation to gender, age and school achievement. The semple included 480 pupils with an average age of 12,5 years. Multidimensional self-concept was assessed using the Slovenian version of Harter s Self-Perception Profile for Children. Results show that there are statistically significant differences in some areas of self-concept and general self-esteem between the studied groups of children. Boys evaluate themselves as significantly more physically competent and they exhibit higher physical appearance and global self-esteem compared to girls, whereas girls show higher self-concept in the area of behavioral conduct. Fifth grade pupils are more favorably evaluated in the areas of physical appearance, behavioral conduct and general selfesteem compared to seventh grade pupils. Pupils with higher academic achievement exhibit favorable self-concept in the areas of scholastic competence, social acceptance and behavioral conduct, and higher general self-esteem compared to pupils with lower academic achievement. Possible explanations for the obtained results are discussed as well as some limitations of the study.